"Mom's coming to visit," Spencer said having gotten a phone call to that effect.

It was now summer and though there were summer classes, school was basically over for the year.

"I'll be glad to see her," Safina said. "I bet she'll be thrilled to see her grandchildren and how much they've grown, since last time she came down for a weekend."

"She will be," Spencer agreed. "I'm sure you can tell she loves children."

"Yes, I can," Safina said. "So are Marnie and Finn coming to?"

"Not at this time," Spencer shook his head. "They have their own lives and it's hard for them to get away, though we will probably get together for Thanksgiving. I'm not sure I'll be here for it, but we'll see."

"It doesn't have to take place on the actual day, you know," Safina said. "So long as we have a little warning of when you'll be home we can be prepared. With the job like yours you're not going to celebrate on the actual day most of the time, so it doesn't matter if we celebrate a couple of days late or early. We can invite your team, Cameron, Aaron, even Sean if he can get away from his job in New York."

"What about Maranda?" Spencer asked.

"Well, if Cameron and her are still dating or courting at the time, then it's only right to invite her too," Safina said.

"Can you put up with her in your territory?" Spencer asked.

"So long as she behaves and doesn't try anything with you then yes, I can. The minute she misbehaves though, I'll toss her out on her butt with no regrets," Safina said. "I won't have your old girlfriend come and try to cause trouble between us."

"That's fair," Spencer agreed calmly. "I can't blame you actually. I won't have her try to drive a wedge between us either and while I don't believe that will happen, we'll still keep an eye out."

Safina nodded satisfied. "I'm looking forward to seeing Diana."

"I'm looking forward to her visit to," Spencer said. "She'll probably want to take the triplets on outings and so long as at least Mandy goes along, I don't mind that at all."

"She'll want to take them to the park, or to a museum, probably even to a store that sells things for babies and toddlers."

"That's very likely actually," Spencer said. "She'll probably buy them more baby clothes then we have room for, but then, babies outgrow their clothes on a fairly regular basis, so she could buy ones that are big enough for a few months from now. It would certainly save Mandy or you from having to do that."

"We'll see how things go," Safina said. "I don't mind shopping and you know that Penny agrees with me."

"And so do JJ and Emily," Spencer laughed. "I'm sure they'd all be delighted to help you shop for baby things, especially Garcia, since she's pregnant now and due to pop pretty soon."

Penelope was absolutely enormous as she was carrying quadruplets. Aaron had been ecstatic when he'd heard that Spencer knew. So far Garcia was not having any trouble carrying them to term like Haley had and Spencer was certainly glad about that. It was the middle of September and Garcia was due to give birth in just a few weeks. Their species pregnancies were only six months long, instead of the nine month it was for humans. Everybody would be watching her closely, because she might go into labor at any time, even though she wasn't due until the beginning of October. Since she was around five months pregnant the babies should be just fine.

Spencer wasn't sure if Aaron and Garcia were going to have more, considering that Garcia was carrying four instead of just two, but it really wasn't his place to ask or to worry about it, so he didn't.

"I'm sure Penny has already shopped a lot considering she's due soon. She would've done that earlier in her pregnancy, before she got so enormous."

"I'm sure she did a lot of it online, as that's just easier when you have a busy life," Spencer said.

"Maybe some of it, but women like to go into the store, look at the selection, feel the material that the clothes are made out of, giggle over the cute outfits. Penny can basically buy anything she wants, because Aaron wouldn't have put her on a budget. Besides, the clothes can be used again, if they have more after this, as they'll hardly be out of style."

"If not, they can always give them to charity or to a needy family with small children," Spencer said.

"That's an excellent idea and I'll mention it to my brother next time I talk to him, just in case it hasn't occurred to him. Even if they are going to have more, the clothes will still be in good condition, so they can always donate once their second set of children outgrow them," Safina said. "We of course, can do the same, once our second set of children outgrow the outfits."

"That's only if you don't want to get pregnant again," Spencer reminded her and Safina nodded.

"We'll see how it goes," Safina said.

"Good idea. There's no point worrying about it now," Spencer said. "I'm going to go see the children."

Safina nodded and picked up a book she had been meaning to start for ages. She and Spencer had a very busy life, but it was also very fulfilling and both of them couldn't be happier.

~~~Aaron and Penelope~~~

"Congratulations," Morgan told JJ grinning. "I'm very happy for you."

JJ had just informed the team that she was pregnant again.

"I see you finally got Will to agree," Penelope said with amusement.

"It wasn't easy," JJ said grinning. "But as I told everyone several months ago I had Henry and Lauren on my side. Will just couldn't resist their pleading and finally gave in."

"I'm going to have myself fixed after this though. That's just fine and something I agreed to easily when he put that in as a condition of him getting me pregnant again. I only wanted a couple more, as we really can't afford anymore than that, nor do we have the room for them."

"I'm glad you got Will to agree, as I know you wanted more kids," Dave told JJ smiling. "While I love all my children I think that Carolyn and I went a little overboard."

"I was always going to win eventually," JJ said grinning. "After all, the kids were on my side, Will was the only holdout. I think he just finally gave in, in the face of our determination. Perhaps he really wanted a couple more himself, but was trying to consider all the variables, money, space, childcare while we both work."

"I'm very happy for you, JJ," Spencer said. "I know Safina will be very happy for you to when I tell her. I can hardly wait for them to be born. I'm assuming it's twins again."

"Yes, it is, as I'm just far enough along to tell," JJ said happily.

"So what are you hoping for? I mean the sexes," Emily asked.

"I'm actually hoping for the same thing I had last time a boy and a girl," JJ said. "I know there's no guarantees, as that kind of thing is random, but it would be nice to have an even number of both sexes."

"You're actually pretty likely to get your wish," Penelope said.

"I know I am, but I also know there's no guarantees," JJ grinned happily.

Morgan looked wistful Spencer noticed, maybe all this talk about children would encourage his friend to settle down. Living alone was okay for awhile, but their species needed companionship and temporary relationships and one night stands got to be boring after awhile.

"You know it's way past time for you to settle down Morgan," Dave suggested, having also seen the wistful expression.

"I have heard that before several times," Morgan said.

"Well then, maybe you should take good advice," Emily suggested. "Do what your mother has suggested more than once settle down have some children."

"How?" Morgan asked. "We work all the time and it's kind of hard find someone when you do."

"That might be true, but I don't think you're really trying," Spencer told his friend. "I managed to find someone and so has JJ and Garcia. While we do work long hours all of us managed to find mates and those relationships are flourishing. Also, while Dave's mate died he was married for a lot of years and the relationship lasted, despite being gone so much. You should follow his example."

"So if we can find someone so can you," JJ who had been silent said.

"We'll see," was all Morgan said

~~~Aaron and Penelope~~~

Epilogue

Five years later

Spencer and Safina

"Ready to go?" Spencer asked his mate.

The two of them were heading up to see his Aunt Molly and Uncle Malcolm along with all their children.

Safina had just given birth a few months ago to triplets again and his Aunt Molly wanted to meet them. His mother and siblings already had. Safina had had two girls and one boy this time, which made an even number for both sexes.

The Reid family had grown to six children, which was not easy to transport around, so they had two full-sized vans. One of the vans were used by Mandy and the second nanny Irina, that had been hired to transport the children on outings. It took two nannies to look after six children, three of who were older and very mischievous. The other van was used by Safina to get where she needed to go. She often transported her brother's children, so she needed the large vehicle.

"Yes, I'm ready," Safina agreed. "Let's go make sure Mandy and Irina are ready to. They are getting the children ready."

"I'm so glad we have them, because there's no way we could manage to take a trip with six small children without them," Spencer said.

"Yes, they've been a godsend," Safina agreed.

"We better go or we are going to miss our train," Spencer said looking at his watch. "Aunt Molly is expecting us."

"It's a good thing we're so organized or we would never manage to get there on time," said Safina.

Spencer agreed and the two of them left their bedroom, dragging behind them their luggage.

"Ready to go?" Safina asked the two nannies.

"Yes, Ma'am," Irina said.

"The children are ready to go," Mandy said. "We have their luggage as well as our own."

"It's a good thing we rented three compartments, as there is no way all of us would fit in just one," Irina added.

"Let's get the stuff in the car then," Spencer said. "We need to get going."

"You have to rent so many compartments when you have such a large family," Safina told the nannies who nodded. "We can afford it, so none of us should worry about the money."

"Splurging every once awhile is not going to cause us to go broke," Spencer said. "Letting the children get to know their aunt and uncle is important."
The two nannies helped load the car with all the luggage, there was quite a lot of it with six children and four adults. The three newest addition to the family, especially had a lot of junk that had to be carted around, so a large diaper bag was added to the rest of the luggage.

The whole family finally headed for the train station using both vehicles, which would be left in long-term parking. The three newest additions were as good as gold on the way, but they had been fed extra thick formula, so that they would sleep for as long as possible, because their bellies were full.

Finally, they reached the train station and handed over their tickets to the conductor, who had someone show them the way to their compartments. It took several trips to get everything from the car, children, luggage and everything else, but finally it was all gathered into one compartment.

"Taking a long trip?" asked the railroad employee.

"Only a couple of weeks," Safina answered, "When you have six children, three of those were just born a couple of months ago, you have to cart a lot of junk around."

"I remember those days well," the man said smiling. "I have four of my own, though they only singletons not two sets of triplets."

"Traveling was much easier for you then," Mandy said smiling.

"Somewhat, but it's still difficult to keep an eye on so many children."

"Believe me, I'm well aware of it," Spencer said.

"So where you headed?"

"We're going up to visit my aunt and uncle, who hasn't met the newest additions to the family. She's very anxious to meet them and claims she's not getting any younger," said Spencer smiling at the conversation he had with his Aunt Molly over the phone.

"Ah, well, I hope you enjoy your visit," the man said.

"I'm sure we will," Safina said, as she saw all the man out of their compartment.

"We might as well take a nap while the younger children are sleeping. Mandy and Irina will keep the oldest three busy," Spencer suggested to Safina who nodded, knowing it was a good idea. Looking after so many children took a lot of energy, even though they had help. Both Mandy and Irina were tireless, but even they needed a break occasionally.

The two of them snuggled up on one of the narrow train bids, with Safina basically laying on top of Spencer. It wasn't long before the two of them wore deeply asleep, cuddled together contently.

~~~Aaron and Penelope~~~

Aaron and Penelope

"Well, we won't be seeing Spencer and Safina for awhile," Penelope said, as she and Aaron cuddled in bed.

"No, we won't, but they deserve a nice long vacation as they haven't had one in about three years. Looking after one child is tiring enough, but now they have six. Yes, they have help, but still, it's tiring looking after so many children."

"I didn't say they didn't deserve it, just that I'm going to miss them while they're gone," Penelope admitted. "Safina and I have gotten quite close, which is good, since she is your sister."

"They'll be back in a couple weeks, though I doubt they'll be able relax much on this vacation, not with six children to look after."

"Mandy and Irina will help there," Penelope said.

"Yes, they'll help relieve the pressure a lot, but neither Safina or Spencer will leave all the childcare duties to just them, as their sense of responsibility is simply too strong," Aaron said. "They are well matched in that way."

"Still, they'll manage. This is the way our kind has been doing things for thousands of years, having large families and then having plenty of help to look after them. I don't know what we would do without Alba and Selima," Penelope said.

"Well, considering we had 10 children, neither do I. They are a godsend and worth every penny they are paid," Aaron agreed

"I really didn't expect have quadruplets both times I got pregnant, but with Jack and Britney I figured that's enough," Penelope said.

"Yes I think we have enough to handle for the next 20 years or so," Aaron said. "It's hard to believe that Jack and Britney are nearly 12 years old."

"Yes, I know what you mean," Penelope agreed. "They're growing up and I know you don't want them to."

"It happens to all of us," Aaron sighed faintly.

"At least we still have eight children that won't be grown up for a long time," Penelope said trying to cheer Aaron up. "Our oldest are only four, though I admit it's not long until they're five and our youngest are only two."

"That's true," Aaron agreed. "I'm getting old."

"No, you're not," Penelope denied immediately. "You're still quite young and you know it."

"Alright, having two children who are nearly teenagers makes me feel old," Aaron corrected. "It doesn't seem like anytime, since they were infants."

"Yeah, I know how that goes," Penelope agreed. "Our four oldest are growing up way too fast for me. I know they're still really young, but they'll be 18 before I know it."

"Unfortunately, that's just life," Aaron said, sighing faintly.

"So what do you think about Cameron and Maranda," Penelope asked. This was a question she had been wanting to ask for the last few years once the pair had mated, but she had never done so, because she never thought about it when they were alone.

"I think they make a good pair," Aaron answered. "Maranda made Cameron grow up. He's more focused now and has a good career. I think this problem before was that he was having trouble deciding on what he wanted to do with his life. Maranda encouraged him in the right way, instead of just forcing him to do something he didn't want to do."

Both Penelope and Aaron knew, that the Reids had been worried that Maranda was part of some plot. None of them really believed in coincidence of Maranda just showing up and Spencer telling her he wasn't interested in reigniting what they had once had, to Maranda and Cameron meeting. In this case though, it had turned out to be exactly that.

Maranda had sworn that there was no plot and that she'd run into Cameron totally on accident.

Spencer had believed her, and somewhat reluctantly, so had Safina. Maranda hadn't blamed them for their doubts considering her and Spencer's past relationship that had been more than a decade in the past at the time.

While Cameron and Miranda had moved to New York they were still close enough to visit family easily. The pair of them had two sets of twins and were planning on having more in another couple of years.

The two seemed to be happy together and that was all that mattered. They had also moved far enough away that Safina didn't feel threatened in her relationship with Spencer.

Safina and Maranda got along, but Safina never completely relaxed whenever Maranda was around. It was as if she was waiting for the other shoe to drop.

Spencer understood perfectly why his mate would never relax around Maranda, so he said nothing. Maranda might have apologized for her actions so many years ago, but that didn't negate the fact that they had once been heavily involved. While both Spencer and Maranda might have moved on, that didn't mean Safina wasn't on the lookout for betrayal from the one person she knew had had a former relationship with her mate.

"Some people are like that though," Penelope said. "Not everybody knows what they want to do with their lives by the time they're in their 20s."

"I know," Aaron agreed. "I'm afraid I didn't support Cameron the way I should have. I just saw he was wasting his life, partying and hanging out with his friends, instead of studying. Some of that kind of thing is all well and good, but there is such a thing as going overboard."

"Cameron just isn't as studious as his sister and there's nothing wrong with that," Penelope said.

"I know," Aaron agreed. "I handled that situation all wrong and I realized that sometime ago. Cameron and I get along, but I don't think we'll ever be close, not like Safina and I are. I'm the one that was tough on him when I should have been more understanding. Now, I'm the adult, the authority figure to him."
"We all make mistakes," Penelope said. "It's very possible that Cameron and you would never have been close, even if you had handled the situation differently."

"True enough," Aaron admitted. "We just aren't enough alike to be close and it has nothing to do with the fact that he's a beta, but that we don't share many personality traits and very few areas of interests."

"At least he was smart enough never to take drugs," Penelope said.

"That's very true and I'm glad that he was that smart at least, as such things are much more prevalent on college campuses nowadays." Aaron admitted.

The two of them simply lay there in their bed, very happy they had met over five use ago now.

Life was certainly splendid and had certainly been far less lonely since they had met. They had been two lost souls who had been searching for happiness and had finally gotten their wish once they had met each other. They had each other, their numerous children and plenty of money for a rainy day, so life couldn't possibly get any better than it was.